JT Woodruff – Field Medicine
Review by Annette Schaefer
Although, Hawthorne Heights released their latest album, Zero, only last summer, front-man JT Woodruff released his third solo album, Field Medicine on Tuesday. The album is a far cry from Woodruff’s work in Hawthorne Heights and instead takes on a folksier brand of rock in many ways.
The album features a mix of more traditional pop/rock songs and more stripped down, acoustic pieces, although, the stripped down pieces seem to make up the majority of the record. Personally, I’m a huge fan of songs that are more laid back and simplified, but there were many places on Field Medicine where it felt as if the album just dragged on. The fact that the album is made up of 15 songs didn’t help with this either.
Field Medicine definitely gives fans a peek into a different side of the Hawthorne Heights singer with songs that seem more inspired by folk and country than punk rock. There are even several tracks that really show off Woodruff’s versatility and song-writing skills.
Title track “Field Medicine,” a song about the reality of growing older, is one of the more laid-back tracks that really shine with a bouncy acoustic guitar and catchy chorus. “Cups of Coffee” is a unique track on the album with muted chords and even a bit of keyboards. Even “Candle on the Stillwater” makes things a bit interesting with its sweet and slow verses and the suddenly upbeat and aggressive choruses.
Unfortunately aside from these tracks and probably the energetic “Light Blue Astro Van” the album just seems to fall flat. Many times the vocals seem weak and the songs don’t manage to really grab your attention. In the end, if I had to choose I would rather listen to one of my old Hawthorne Heights albums.
Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Recommended Tracks: “Field Medicine” and “Cups of Coffee”
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